Which of the following statements is correct?

The correct answer is Option (4) → In a galvanic cell, the anode has a negative potential with respect to the solution

• A galvanic cell converts the chemical energy of a spontaneous redox reaction into electrical energy. In the Daniell cell the reaction is:

      \( \displaystyle \ce{Zn(s) + Cu^2+(aq) -> Zn^2+(aq) + Cu(s)} \)

• At the anode, zinc atoms go into the solution as \( \ce{Zn^2+} \) ions and leave their electrons on the electrode. The electrode therefore becomes negative with respect to the solution, while the cathode, where reduction takes place, is positive.

Why the other options are incorrect

Option (1) In a galvanic cell, electrical energy is converted into chemical energy — Incorrect. This is the reverse: a galvanic cell turns chemical energy into electrical energy. Using electrical energy to drive a reaction is what an electrolytic cell does.

Option (2) In a Daniell cell, copper is oxidised to copper ions — Incorrect. In the Daniell cell zinc is oxidised to \( \ce{Zn^2+} \); the \( \ce{Cu^2+} \) ions are reduced to copper.

Option (3) In a Daniell cell, electrons flow through the salt bridge from one solution to the other — Incorrect. Electrons flow from the zinc electrode to the copper electrode through the external metallic wire. The salt bridge only connects the two electrolytes internally and carries ions, not electrons.

NCERT (2026-27 edition):
2.2 Galvanic Cells – “… In a galvanic cell, the half-cell in which oxidation takes place is called anode and it has a negative potential with respect to the solution. The other half-cell in which reduction takes place is called cathode and it has a positive potential with respect to the solution.”